International Football History and Statistics

On this day in football history

• 1924 At the start of the 1924-5 season the rule on corners was altered allowing players to score directly from them. Billy Alston of St Barnards became the first player to score directly from a corner against Albion Rovers in the Scottish Second Division.
• 1930 Norman Dinsdale, Coventry City centre half, transferred to Bristol Rovers. Joined Notts County in 1920 when the club was in the First Division and made a name as one of the most reliable pivots in the League. Moved to Coventry in 1928. Spent only one season with Rovers and retired in 1931 after playing in 389 League matches and scored 23 goals.
• 1936 Death of J.H. Catton at the age of 76. He was often regarded as the father of football reporting as we know it today. Wrote under the pen-name of "Tityrus" and reported for the Athletic News and edited the Athletic News Football Annual for many years.
• 1965 In the fourth division match between Barrow and Wrexham, Bobby Knox became the first substitute to score a League goal. This helped Barrow to a 4-2 victory.
• 1965 In the 11th minute of the Second Division match between Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic at Burnden Park, Keith Peacock, Charlton forward became the first substitute to appear in a Football League game. Athletic's goalkeeper, Rose, was injured and under the rule accepted at the League's Annual Meeting 3 months earlier, he was able to leave the field and be replaced by a nominated substitute. John Hewie, actually went into goal and Peacock played outfield. Bolton won 4-2.